A former Garda Ombudsman commissioner has suggested members of the gardaí have a 'get out of jail' card.

Conor Brady was head of GSOC from 2005 to 2011.

Mr Brady says: "If the Garda Síochana - if it was a chain of hotels or an airline - you probably would shut it down and start all over again.

"You can't really stand down a police force - but I honestly think that we're at the stage now where something on the scale of what was done with Patten (Independent Commission on Policing) in the North is probably necessary.

"It's very clear that the problem isn't just a commissioner".

Noirin O'Sullivan resigned as Garda Commissioner earlier this month | File photo

"The other big question here that has to be addressed... is this question of the dual role of civil policing and security.

"They're the only police force in Europe that have that - and what it enables the guards to do, and it has done this historically, is it enables them to cite State security, to pull down the shutters when there's any inquiry.

"It's a complete 'get out of jail' card that they have".

He also suggested a clear-out could benefit the force.

"There are wonderful people in the guards - there are lots and lots of really good people at all levels in the guards - but it is clearly the case that there's a significant number who are not suited to the job, who don't like being in there and they should be given the option of doing something else".

His comments come after former Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan announced her decision to retire earlier this month.